Great Staple Tor and White Tor Circuit
Devon
Great Staple Tor and White Tor Circuit is an 11.9 km route across Dartmoor's western moor, climbing from Pork Hill through Little and Middle Staple Tor to the granite stacks of Great Staple Tor at 455 metres. The route continues north to Roos Tor and across Langstone Moor, where Bronze Age hut circles and the Longstone Man standing stone mark an ancient settlement site, before ascending White Tor. With 408 metres of elevation gain, this is a serious moorland walk through broad, empty landscape carrying the raw, peaty smell of high ground grazed for thousands of years.
This dog friendly walk is deeply stimulating for fit dogs who love open moorland. The scent of sheep, bracken and granite minerals sits in the air throughout, and the wide, trackless sections allow dogs to range freely where livestock isn't present. However, livestock is a near-constant presence on these moors, and leads will be required across much of the ground. Important: the route passes through the Merrivale military firing range — check the schedule at gov.uk before visiting, as the area is closed when red flags are flying. This is one for experienced walkers and fit dogs comfortable with open moorland navigation.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 11.9 km (7.4 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on route; Dartmoor Inn at Merrivale approximately 1.5 km east (dog friendly)
- Parking
- Pork Hill car park, B3357, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 9LQ. Free, large capacity
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great Staple Tor and White Tor Circuit dog friendly?
Great Staple Tor and White Tor Circuit is a good option for dogs, earning a 7/10 dog friendly rating. It's best suited to fit, experienced dogs who are comfortable on open moorland , the wide, trackless terrain and rich scents of sheep, bracken and granite make it deeply stimulating, but the near-constant livestock presence and serious elevation gain (408 metres over 11.9 km) mean it's not one for every dog.
Can dogs be off lead at Great Staple Tor and White Tor Circuit?
There is genuine off-lead potential on the open moorland sections where livestock isn't present, and dogs who love to range freely will relish the space. However, livestock grazes across much of the route, so leads will be required for significant stretches , reliable recall and good livestock manners are essential before bringing a dog here.
What should I know before visiting Great Staple Tor and White Tor Circuit with my dog?
The most important thing to check before you go is the Merrivale military firing range schedule at gov.uk , the route passes through this area and access is restricted when red flags are flying. There are no facilities on the route itself, though the dog-friendly Dartmoor Inn at Merrivale is around 1.5 km east if you need a post-walk stop. This is a remote, exposed walk best suited to experienced walkers and fit dogs comfortable with open moorland conditions.
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